It is not just that the pastor must preach, but that he must preach the Word. This is best accomplished through biblical exposition. But, before we get there, we must ask the important question of “why preaching?” The determination to preach the Word is first a theological commitment. We preach the Word because the Word is... Continue Reading

 Edwards was duly impressed with the unparalleled joy of many, which often expressed itself in “earnest longings of soul to praise God” (47). Others expressed a new love for the Bible: “Some, by reason of their love to God’s word, at times have been wonderfully delighted and affected at the sight of a Bible; and... Continue Reading

There’s a myth out there that is ruining marriages and probably reducing the number of marriages as well. It’s the myth that we can spend our childhood and adolescence putting our personal success before our need of personal character development and the needs of our future families. A selfless habit of mind will not suddenly... Continue Reading

During the World Watch List 2019 reporting period, in the top 50 countries, a total of 1,266 churches or Christian buildings were attacked; 2,635 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned; and 4,136 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons. On average, that’s 11 Christians killed every day for their faith.   One in... Continue Reading

The #MeToo movement has made one thing incontrovertibly clear: Contemporary America is confused and conflicted at the deepest level about sex, sexuality, and social norms that should guide men’s and women’s intimate relations. Sometimes these schizophrenic tendencies are on vivid display in the same person.   As the #MeToo movement has spread from the upper... Continue Reading

Let us exalt, Him who is our God, and King. When we are finally brought into our Lord’s presence in eternity, we will then see and wonder at His magnitude and mercy and then we will bless, His name forever and ever. We will speak well of our God forever. We will praise and worship... Continue Reading

The NT writers use many OT figures precisely as types of Christ, anticipating his great work of redemption. But, here’s the point: it doesn’t have to be one or the other.  OT stories/figures can function both as a type of Christ and as moral examples of what true faith can produce in the life of God’s people.  ... Continue Reading

We are ignorant, many times, of what God did to that worker to make them fit for service. The group in Philippians 1:15 may have envied Paul’s platform, but it is doubtful they envied his prison cell. Paul’s name was on many lips in a joyous tone, but did they want the hatred of those... Continue Reading

Because corporate liturgy is a time of disciplined prayer, it is important that what we pray is refined, elegant, and elevated in structure, verbiage, and tone. Extemporaneous expression, even with the best intention, creates apertures in our liturgical architecture through which human error enters our worship.   Neither praise nor worship have a style. They... Continue Reading

The Lord speaks through his Word. And for some folks, structures like daily quiet times and Bible-reading plans can be immensely helpful. If they work for you, have at it. But my plea is to not place more store on those things than the Bible itself does. The Bible calls us to meditate on it... Continue Reading